The Leadership Knox County Class IV ended their program with the final session being held in Verdigre and Center on Thursday, December 6th.

Leadership Knox County is personal enrichment course, focusing on three key areas: leadership skill building, networking and increasing community knowledge. Each session has taken the class to seven communities in the county. The final class held in Verdigre was focused on philanthropy and county/local government.

The day began with information presented on the Nebraska Community Foundation, followed by a ‘Knox County Asset Based Mapping’ exercise! This activity allowed the class to learn more about each of the assets we are blessed to have in each of our communities. The group took a tour of the Verdigre Carousel before having lunch at the Cozy Café.

The day concluded with an informative overview of county government from the Knox County Clerk, Joann Fischer followed by a tour of the Knox County Courthouse. The Leadership Knox County class will graduate in January at the Knox County Development Agency Annual Banquet.​For more information about the program, or to get involved in next year’s class – contact: Megan Hanefeldt with the Knox County Development Agency megan@knoxcountynebraska.com or 402-288-5619.

Several members of the Masonic Lodge gathered at the Hive in Bloomfield to present Dennis Stewart his 50 year membership pin. Brother Harry Sage made the presentation. Dennis is a member of Wausa Lodge # 251, Wausa.

The Hunhoff family is grateful for the outpouring love and support they have received during “the most difficult time” of their lives, according to a statement they completed over the Thanksgiving weekend.

The body of Phyllis Hunhoff of Yankton was found in Knox County on November 7 after she had been missing for several days. Authorities reported that foul play was suspected and an arrest was made in connection with her death on November 19.

Phyllis’s family, her mother and three siblings issued a statement to the media this week to express their appreciation to family, friends and even strangers who have grieved along with them. "As Father Anthony Urban said at the funeral Mass, 'We must not lose our faith in our fellow man,’" they said. "Phyllis was a humble woman who would grin shyly and shake her head at all the fuss over her, but countless kindnesses continue to carry us through the most difficult time of all our lives."

The Hunhoff family said they are grateful to Nebraska, South Dakota and federal law enforcement officials who are, "working to seek justice and to protect our families and communities.”

“They have already devoted many long hours and days to the investigation and we know much work lies ahead in the judicial world,” the family said. “They have difficult duties."

Family members said many people have asked how they can help with a memorial to Phyllis, and a special project is being considered at this time.

"As you have prayed for us, we also pray for you and your loved ones," they said. "This is still the most wonderful place to live. One evil act does not change that; quite the opposite. Your outpouring of love and support shows that our community is very much like our Phyllis — warm and generous, loving and kind, and always present where there’s a need."

A Norfolk man has been arrested on charges of arson in connection with the death of Yankton woman who's body was found in Knox County.

According to United States Attorney Joe Kelly, Joseph Lloyd James, 47 of Norfolk, has been charged with arson in connection with the burning of Phyllis Hunhoff’s car found on the Santee Sioux Indian reservation.

James was arrested on November 19 during the investigation into the death of Phyllis Hunhoff, 59, of Yankton, S.D. It is alleged James set fire to Hunhoff’s car, according to Kelly.

The maximum punishment for the offense is 25 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. James was scheduled for his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge ­Susan M. Bazis on November 21.

Family members reported Hunhoff missing on November 4. She was last seen Sunday between 9 pm. and 10 p.m. at her mother’s residence off of 439th Ave. and 300th St. near Utica, S.D. Hunhoff had no known medical issues.

​Searches were conducted in the Yankton area by members of the Yankton County Sheriff's Office, Yankton County Search and Rescue, South Dakota Game Fish and Parks, South Dakota Highway Patrol and volunteer members of the public in an effort to locate Hunhoff.

According to her obituary, Hunhoff was born November 20, 1958, in Yankton to Edward and Catherine (McDonald) Hunhoff. She grew up in the Sigel Community and in 1976, graduated from Yankton High School. She then began working at Valley State Bank in Yankton which eventually became First National Bank. Phyllis worked at this bank for over 40 years, and was involved with all aspects of banking.

Hunhoff was a member of St. Agnes Sigel Catholic Church and other various organizations. “She will be remembered as a caring, loving and faithful servant of God. She was a dedicated, strong willed, compassionate woman who was always ready to listen. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her S & B Stitching Club. She loved her family, spending a lot of time on the farm with her mother,” her obituary stated.

Survivors include her mother, Catherine Hunhoff of Utica, South Dakota; sister, Mary Hunhoff of Lincoln, Nebraska and two brothers: Joseph (Suzanne) Hunhoff of Bloomfield, Nebraska and Francis (Kristi) Hunhoff of Yankton; nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews; and aunts, uncles and cousins.

The Leadership Knox County Class IV met in Crofton on November 1st. The focus of the session was on agriculture and water in Knox County. The group met at the Pulley museum to hear from Ben Beckman with Nebraska Extension, Curt Arens with Nebraska Farmer and Anette Sudbeck with the Cedar Knox Rural Water Project. The group walked next door for a tour of Mainstreet Treasures, where Leadership Knox County Alum: Holly Wortmann and Erin Dennis discussed the new addition to main street in Crofton! Following the tour, the group met for lunch and a tour of The Argo given by new owners, Frank and Megan Marsh. The day concluded with a drive to Gavins Point Dam, where the group received apresentation and tour.Leadership Knox County participants are individuals from all over Knox County interested in learning more about the county, communities we live in, and networking with those who are passionate about building a vibrant Knox County. For more information about the program, or to get involved in next year’s class – contact: Megan Hanefeldt with the Knox County Development Agency:​ megan@knoxcountynebraska.com or 402-288-5619.

Niobrara was the conference runner up and earned five outstanding actor awards, including the best overall female actor, at the Niobrara Valley Conference East One Act Tournament at Elgin Public on Tuesday. Abby Swanson of Niobrara was named the overall outstanding female actor in the conference. Pope John won the conference title.

Foul play is suspected after the body a missing Yankton woman was found in Knox County on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Yankton County Sheriff's Office, the body of 59-year-old Phyllis Ann Hunhoff of Yankton was discovered inside her 2001 white Honda Accord in a rural area on the Santee Sioux Reservation.

Family members reported Hunhoff missing on November 4. She was last seen Sunday between 9 pm. and 10 p.m. at her mother’s residence off of 439th Ave. and 300th St. near Utica, So. Dak. Hunhoff had no known medical issues.

​Searches were conducted in the Yankton area over the last few days by members of the Yankton County Sheriff's Office, Yankton County Search and Rescue, South Dakota Game Fish and Parks, South Dakota Highway Patrol and volunteer members of the public in an effort to locate Hunhoff.

A multi-agency investigation is underway involving the Yankton County Sheriff's Office, Knox County Sheriff's Department, Nebraska State Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Santee Tribal Police.

She was one of four children of Mary and the late Edward Hunhoff of Utica, So. Dak.